James' bedroom is the last of five room re-dos I've been working on all summer with Valspar Paint. On Thursday, I'll be revealing the final pictures, but in the meantime, here's a preview.

This project was really about simplifying a small space by cutting down the clutter, adding color to the walls, and creating a sense of calm. James and his wife have a one year old, and I want their bedroom to be a place where they can relax.

CHOOSING COLORSI was impressed with the ease and decisiveness that James showed when choosing colors for the bedroom. (He's a graphic designer, so it makes sense.) We started with a lavender shirt from his closet as our inspiration; then he and I chose a few different purples — some cool and some warm — and I sent him samples to try on his walls. When you're testing colors, the actual paint can appear very different once it's off the chip and on the wall, so it's always a good idea to test a few sample pots before choosing the best color.

PROJECT #1: PAINTING THE WALLSJames bedroom is small, and I wanted a color that would envelope the space and create one main field of color. We kept the palette simple: lilac walls and white trim. Special thanks to our painter, Tony Smith of T&S Painting, who did a great job. (Thanks, Tony!)

James has been working on letting things go to create more 'breathing space' in the bedroom

PROJECT #2: DECLUTTERINGOn my last visit with James, we spent several hours clearing out the bedroom. When you're a new parent, it's not uncommon to be overtaken by a wave of new stuff, but you can start to sink under the weight of it. Clearing out and letting go of things is an important step on the path to reclaiming your personal space.

James' floor plan, with the bed centered on the wall

PROJECT #3: NEW BEDDING AND FURNITUREJames' bedroom furniture isn't bad, but it's a little bulky for such a small space, so we decided to buy a new bed. Originally, we were just going to get a headboard, but we discovered that a simple platform would bring the clean lines we were looking for. Our stylist, Joe Maer, has been shopping for pieces that will streamline the room and make it look more modern.

THE BASIC SHOPPING LISTLook for a full resource list on Thursday.

Bed — The main piece for the room is a new bed, a low platform that will better define the space.

Headboard — We're also going to use a headboard and artwork to anchor the bed and create a focal point.

Rug — We found a nice, large neutral rug that spreads out under the bed.

Curtains — We're using curtain panels to cover both the windows and the closet.

Television — James' existing television is bulky, so we're replacing it with something slimmer.

Storage pieces — James and his wife need better storage, so we're shopping for a couple of new bedside tables and a long, low credenza to go across from the bed.

I love the way this room is coming together — can't wait to show you the final photos on Thursday!

ABOUT THE INSIDE MANWe've teamed up with Valspar Paint to create The Inside Man, a special feature dedicated to daily (Monday — Friday) posts from Apartment Therapy and GQ about men's color conundrums and style questions. From sofas with cup holders to brilliant bachelor pads, we’re focusing on the décor dilemmas men often bring to us.

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Maxwell left teaching in 2001 to start Apartment Therapy as a design business helping people to make their homes more beautiful, organized AND healthy. The website started up in 2004 with the help of his brother, Oliver.